£55K buys Audi’s new and potent Avant

Audi has confirmed the price of the all-new, third-generation RS 4 Avant at £54,925.

Deliveries of the performance estate are set to begin in autumn.

The RS 4 Avant is powered by a high-revving, naturally-aspirated V8 engine, delivering 443bhp at 8,250rpm, reaching the wheels through a standard seven-speed S tronic transmission.

The car hits 62mph in 4.7 seconds on its way to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph, which can be increased to 174mph on request. Despite such potency, Audi claims a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 26.4mpg.

The car comes with quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard, as does every RS model. This is bolstered by a crown-gear centre differential and sports rear differential, allowing smooth torque transfer between the front and rear axles and left and right rear wheels.

The arches house 19-inch ten-spoke forged aluminium wheels, with large internally-ventilated brake discs, which also feature revised friction rings to reduce weight by three kilograms.

Drivers with more to spend can choose carbon fibre-ceramic brake discs and Dynamic Ride Control, which uses diagonally-opposed pairs of dampers linked by hydraulic lines and a central valve. This system intensifies stability of the front outside wheel in fast corners for optimum stability.

Both the DRC and a dynamic steering option are available seperately or combined as part of a Sport Package, including 20-inch aluminium or titanium-look alloy wheels and a sports exhaust system and priced at £2,250.

Standard equipment on the RS 4 includes a DVD-based satellite navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and Audi’s Music Interface iPod connection.

Words by: James Charman